Rio de Janeiro Travel Guides

Rio de Janeiro spotlight

Rio de Janeiro is enormous and one of the liveliest cities in the world. It’s no mean feat to squeeze everything in to one weekend, but it’s possible. This itinerary will help you see the biggest and best sights in Rio, as well as some more peaceful spots for when you need a break from the hectic streets.

Rio offers its tourists a wide range of choices when it comes to accommodation, from five-star hotels to a bustling hostel, to B&Bs or apartments amongst the more scenic areas. Many of Rio’s visitors stay in the Southern area where the hotels boast fitness centers and rooftop swimming pools, and similar to the shopping scenario, there is less accommodation in the North Zone.

With an exciting mix of high-end shopping malls and flea markets, shopping in Rio won’t disappoint. Brazil is one of the world’s largest suppliers of coloured gemstones, making jewelry shopping in Minas Gerais a priority for many tourists. Throughout Rio you will find shoes, local music, bookshops and souvenirs along with cheap fashion and if that isn’t for you, almost every major district has a shopping mall of some sort.

Due to the diversity in culture Rio de Janeiro doesn’t have an identifiable cuisine, but instead, Rio’s dining scene offers you drinks and dishes from all over the world. From Italian pastas to Chinese wontons, Spanish empanadillas to Arabian kibbeh there have been variations of other culture’s favourite dishes that are now enjoyed throughout the country. From botecos or five-star restaurants, make the most of what Rio has to offer your taste buds.

Sun, sea and sexy beaches – exactly what you’ll find in Rio, surrounded by superb natural views, salsa schools and shopping malls. Rio de Janeiro is divided into zones, districts and neighborhoods, each of them offering something different to both locals and tourists. With the opportunity to hang-glide, hike mountains and relax on cable car rides, Rio is perfect for those looking to appreciate the wildlife. Anyone who loves the water will be spoilt for choice with surfing, scuba diving and plenty of sports available along most of the beach fronts. When the sun goes down the city comes alive with music venues, samba shows and nightclubs with a venue for all tastes.

Known as Cidade Maravilhosa, the Marvellous City, Rio is home to some of the friendliest people and the world’s most famous beaches. Brazil’s interracial history of Portuguese, Japanese, Indian and German settlers have created a multi-cultural society which has led to festivals and celebrations that are known all over the world. Choose from a fantastic selection of water sports, learn how to samba or view the city from one of the cable cars.

Samba dancing, bossa nova singing and balmy nights with cocktails by the beach. Book a Rio de Janeiro hotel and take in the city’s delights with this guide to the top 10 nightlife things to do in Rio de Janeiro.

Summer breaks in Rio de Janeiro are when tropical dreams of paradise come true. Carnival casts its liberating spell over all comers while festive spirit engulfs New Year’s revellers along Rio’s turquoise shore. Book a Rio de Janeiro summer hotel for balmy nights and joyous celebration.

A city break in Rio de Janeiro presents an unforgettable cityscape of green mountains overlooking blue seas and long, sandy beaches. Glamorous Rio de Janeiro hotels hug the seafront, where hot days drift into balmy nights with a samba soundtrack.

Rio Carnival is one of the world’s best known events. Its glittering costumes and samba inspire thousands of visitors to take a Rio de Janeiro holiday. Hotels host Rio Carnival balls and parties through the night.